The gritty streets of 1999 New York City come alive in a new theatrical production that explores the bond between two police officers who grew up together in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. The Boys From Kingsbridge, written by Steven Sarao, makes its New York premiere as part of the Dream Up Festival at Theater for the New City, running from August 27 through September 5.
The two-character play features Sarao himself alongside veteran actor James Lorinz, portraying childhood friends who have grown up to patrol the same neighborhoods where they once played. Set against the backdrop of the Yankees’ championship season, the production captures a specific moment in New York history when the city stood on the cusp of a new millennium.
“The truth is that reconnecting with old friends, deep relationships and how they can have so much influence on our lives was a major inspiration,” Sarao explained about his motivation for writing the play. “Equally inspiring was the idea that police officers are lifelong members of our communities and intimately understand the significant problems facing New York City. They are often voiceless in a very politicized and media driven environment.”
The production marks a significant theatrical undertaking for Sarao, who brings an unusual combination of artistic and academic credentials to the project. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in performance, he also holds a master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, with specialized expertise in international and domestic terrorism. His previous Off-Broadway appearances include Twist of Faith, The Ugly Wife, and Pigs: An Experience with Steve Sarao.
Director Anna Rebek, a Mexican and Hungarian-American theater artist with degrees from Yale and Columbia, helms the production. Her background spans both classical theater and opera, having directed Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro at Prague’s historic Estates Theater and founded Shakespeare Workshoppe, which garnered acclaim for its innovative staging of Julius Caesar.
The casting of James Lorinz brings considerable star power to the downtown theater production. Best known for his lead role in the cult horror-comedy Frankenhooker and his memorable performance in Street Trash, Lorinz has built an extensive career across film and television. His credits include appearances in major productions such as The Irishman, Bridge of Spies, King of New York, and television series including NYPD Blue and The Affair.
The Boys From Kingsbridge presents a slice-of-life portrait of two patrol officers navigating their daily routines in pre-9/11 New York. The play draws parallels between the partnership of its central characters and the teamwork that defined the Yankees’ championship season, exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the challenges faced by those who serve their communities.
The production runs approximately one hour and thirty-five minutes, with performances scheduled throughout its limited engagement. Wednesday and Thursday shows begin at 6:30 PM, with varying times for weekend performances. The Theater for the New City’s Johnson Theater, located at 155 First Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets, provides an intimate setting for this character-driven drama.
Beyond this current production, Sarao continues to develop new theatrical works. He has been selected to participate in the prestigious LaMama Umbria Playwrights Retreat in August 2025 and is working on a historical memoir titled The Dreams of Boys Create Men, which examines small-town policing and social justice issues. As a member of multiple professional organizations including the Dramatist’s Guild and The Actor’s Studio Playwright and Directors Unit, he remains actively engaged in New York’s theatrical community.
Tickets for the limited engagement are priced at $18 and can be purchased through the theater’s official ticketing platform. The venue is easily accessible via multiple subway lines, including the L to First Avenue, the 4/6 to Astor Place, and the F to Second Avenue.
The Boys From Kingsbridge offers audiences a window into a specific time and place in New York history, examining the enduring bonds of friendship against the backdrop of urban police work. Through its intimate two-person format, the play provides a realistic portrayal of life in the NYPD at the close of the twentieth century, grounded in the authentic experiences of its playwright and the skilled performances of its cast.
James Lorinz (left) Steven Sarao (right) Photo by Charles Chessler